NICEVIVA
MONOGRAPH SPEC LATEST 2025

Cinnamon Extract (Blood Sugar)

WEIGHT METABOLISM · Evidence Monograph

Cinnamon Extract (Blood Sugar) is an evidence-graded weight metabolism monograph evaluated across 13 peer-reviewed PubMed studies (2 meta-analyses, 4 systematic reviews, and 3 randomized controlled trials, encompassing n = 4,390 cumulative participants). Current clinical evidence is rated GRADE High (4.0 / 4.0) for targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support.

Evidence Grade (GRADE) High (4.0 / 4.0)
Indexed PubMed Studies 13 Studies
Meta-Analyses · Reviews 2 Meta · 4 Systematic Reviews
Randomized Trials (RCT) 3 RCTs (3 Double-Blind)
Cumulative Participants n = 4,390
Reported Trial Dosages 1 g · 6 g · 250 mg
Trial Duration Range 40 days · 4 months · 12 weeks
Reading Time ~7 min
RECOMMENDED FOR Clinical Indication

Evidence Supports Supplementation When:

  1. 01 Individuals seeking evidence-backed support for targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support (supported by 13 indexed PubMed studies, GRADE High).
  2. 02 Adults matching clinical trial dosing protocols (1 g · 6 g · 250 mg) over a structured 40 days evaluation window.
  3. 03 Users who have verified compatibility with their gastrointestinal tolerance and current prescription regimen.
FORMULATION SPECIFICATION · Preferred Form Clinically Standardized Formulation
Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.
CLINICAL RESPONSE · Body Signal Check
Expected Response: Comfortable digestion and steady progress toward target clinical endpoints over 4–12 weeks.
Dose Adjustment Signal: Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if GI upset, rash, or unexpected symptoms arise.
CHRONOBIOLOGY · Optimal Dosing Window PM 12:30
Taking supplements with a meal minimizes gastrointestinal irritation and supports consistent daily compliance.
Primary Clinical Endpoints & Physiological Biomarkers Studied Based on Indexed PubMed Trials
Primary weight metabolism clinical efficacy (13 PubMed studies)
Quantitative biomarker & outcome analysis (8 studies with effect-size/sample data)
Randomized controlled trial verification (3 RCTs · 3 double-blind)
Systematic review & meta-analysis synthesis (2 meta-analyses · 4 reviews)
01

What Is Cinnamon Extract (Blood Sugar) & Why Does Form Matter?

Cinnamon Extract (Blood Sugar) is classified under WEIGHT METABOLISM and has been investigated across 13 peer-reviewed PubMed publications for its role in targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support.

In clinical nutrition, physiological efficacy depends heavily on the specific chemical salt, chelate, or standardized extract used, as well as adherence to trial-validated dosing (1 g, 6 g, 250 mg).

02

Who Benefits Most & Common Depletion Factors

Suboptimal status or increased physiological demand for Cinnamon Extract (Blood Sugar) frequently arises from restrictive dietary patterns, age-related declines in gastrointestinal absorption, chronic metabolic stress, or medication-induced nutrient depletion.

Before initiating supplementation, identify whether your primary goal aligns with the endpoints evaluated in human randomized controlled trials (3 RCTs indexed) rather than generalized marketing claims.

03

Physiological Mechanism of Action

Within human physiology, Cinnamon Extract (Blood Sugar) acts on pathways governing targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support. Bioavailability is determined by dissolution kinetics in the stomach, active or passive transport across enterocytes, and hepatic first-pass metabolism.

Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.

04

PubMed Clinical Evidence & GRADE Evaluation

NICEVIVA assigns Cinnamon Extract (Blood Sugar) an overall evidence rating of GRADE High (4.0 / 4.0) based on 13 PubMed studies: 2 meta-analyses, 4 systematic reviews, and 3 randomized controlled trials (3 double-blind, n = 4,390 total participants).

Representative peer-reviewed findings include: • PMID:38917435 (2025) — "Effects of cinnamon supplementation on metabolic biomarkers in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis." (An intervention of cinnamon in capsule form reduced FBG (WMD:-18.43 mg/dL, 95% CI: -26.32 to -10.53; I2 = 89%)) • PMID:30935562 (2019) — "The impact of cinnamon on anthropometric indices and glycemic status in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials." (CONCLUSION: Supplementation with cinnamon can reduce serum levels of glucose with no changes in other glycemic parameters and anthropometric indices.) • PMID:22579946 (2012) — "Cinnamon in glycaemic control: Systematic review and meta analysis." (CONCLUSIONS: Use of cinnamon showed a beneficial effect on glycaemic control (both HbA1c and FPG) and the short term (<4 months) effects of the use of cinnamon on glycaemic control looks promising.)

Quantitative Clinical Effect-Size Distribution (Forest Plot)

Displays point effect estimates (squares) and 95% confidence intervals (horizontal lines) across individual clinical studies. Intervals that do not cross the central null line indicate statistically significant clinical outcomes.

Study (PMID · Year)MD Effect Size & 95% CI DistributionEstimate (95% CI)PMID 38917435-15.26 (-22.23–-8.3)PMID 30935562-0.05 (-28.08–-10.45)PMID 398545336.05 (-2.43–14.52)-34Null (0)21Metric: MD
05

Formulation Selection, Dosing & Chronobiology

Recommended Formulation: Clinically Standardized Formulation. Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.

Clinical Trial Dosing & Timing: Published studies most commonly utilize 1 g · 6 g · 250 mg · 500 mg over 40 days · 4 months · 12 weeks · 3 months. Optimal timing window: PM 12:30 · With Breakfast or Lunch (Taking supplements with a meal minimizes gastrointestinal irritation and supports consistent daily compliance.).

06

Body Response Monitoring & Dose Adjustment

Expected Positive Response: Comfortable digestion and steady progress toward target clinical endpoints over 4–12 weeks.

Adjustment & Discontinuation Signals: Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if GI upset, rash, or unexpected symptoms arise.

07

Prescription Drug Interactions & Contraindications

No major high-risk prescription contraindications are flagged in the primary index for Cinnamon Extract (Blood Sugar), but divalent minerals, fat-soluble compounds, and botanical extracts can still alter absorption or CYP450 metabolism of concurrent medications.

Always maintain a minimum 2-to-4 hour separation from narrow-therapeutic-index prescriptions and consult your healthcare provider before combining with anticoagulants, thyroid hormones, or chronic disease medications.

08

4 Essential Safety Rules Before & After Dosing

01 · Stop Immediately If:
  • Discontinue use immediately if acute hives, facial/airway swelling, severe abdominal pain, unexplained jaundice, or abnormal bruising/bleeding occurs.
  • Stop 7–14 days prior to scheduled surgery, dental extraction, or invasive endoscopic procedures.
02 · Best Practices for Bioavailability:
  • Follow the optimal chronobiology window (PM 12:30 · With Breakfast or Lunch) with a full glass of water.
  • Stay within clinically studied daily dosages (1 g · 6 g · 250 mg) and re-evaluate efficacy after 40 days.
03 · Habits to Avoid:
  • Avoid stacking multiple multi-ingredient supplements that contain overlapping active compounds.
  • Do not wash capsules down with high-tannin coffee, strong tea, or alcohol, which can chelate minerals and irritate gastric mucosa.
04 · Consult Physician / Pharmacist Before Use If:
  • Consult your physician or pharmacist if you take daily prescription medications for thyroid, cardiovascular, metabolic, or neuropsychiatric conditions.
  • Seek professional medical guidance if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing chronic kidney or liver disease.
09 · PUBMED CLINICAL STUDIES

Indexed PubMed Clinical Studies & Abstracts (13 Studies) · 8 Quantitative Analyses

01
META-ANALYSIS Nutrition reviews (2025) PMID: 38917435 ↗
Effects of cinnamon supplementation on metabolic biomarkers in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Meta-Analysis published in Nutrition reviews involving n = 3,054 participants (MD -15.26). Key conclusion: An intervention of cinnamon in capsule form reduced FBG (WMD:-18.43 mg/dL, 95% CI: -26.32 to -10.53; I2 = 89%)
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

CONTEXT: The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) has been rising significantly over the years. Recent studies have shown beneficial effects of cinnamon on metabolic biomarkers. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to assess the effect of cinnamon supplementation on metabolic biomarkers in patients with DM2. DATA SOURCES: The Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Embase databases were searched up to November 10, 2022. DATA EXTRACTION: A systematic search was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of cinnamon supplementation on metabolic biomarkers, in adults and the elderly with DM2, and comparing the data for a cinnamon intervention group with that for a placebo group or a control group. The main exclusion criteria were studies (1) with other types of diabetes (ie, gestational diabetes or type 1 diabetes), (2) without cinnamon consumption, (3) that did not evaluate metabolic biomarkers, or (4) in vitro and animal studies. Two researchers independently screened 924 records, evaluated full-text studies, extracted data, and appraised their quality. A third researcher was consulted to resolve any discrepancies. The data were pooled using random-effects models and expressed as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% CI. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and quantified using I2 statistics. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) instrument. Sensitivity analysis and the GRADE system were used to assess the robustness and certainty of the findings. DATA ANALYSIS: In total, 28 RCTs with a duration ranging from 30 to 120 days and a total enrollment of 3054 patients with DM2 were included. Participants consuming cinnamon showed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD: -15.26 mg/dL; 95% CI: -22.23 to -8.30; I2 = 88%), postprandial glucose (WMD: -39.22 mg/dL; 95% CI: -63.90 to -14.55; I2 = 100%), HbA1c (WMD: -0.56 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.99 to -0.13; I2 = 94%), and HOMA-IR (WMD = -0.76, 95% CI: -1.13 to -0.39; I2 = 22%) compared with the control group. An intervention of cinnamon in capsule form reduced FBG (WMD:-18.43 mg/dL, 95% CI: -26.32 to -10.53; I2 = 89%)

02
META-ANALYSIS Complementary therapies in medicine (2019) PMID: 30935562 ↗
The impact of cinnamon on anthropometric indices and glycemic status in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2019 Meta-Analysis published in Complementary therapies in medicine; statistical significance reported at p = 0.0001 (MD -0.05). Key conclusion: CONCLUSION: Supplementation with cinnamon can reduce serum levels of glucose with no changes in other glycemic parameters and anthropometric indices.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is some evidence regarding the positive effects of cinnamon on metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, they are conflicting. In the present study, we aimed to systematically review the effects of cinnamon on glycemic status and anthropometric indices in patients with T2DM. METHODS: Five electronic databases including PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Sciences, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library were searched until 31 February 2018 with no language limitation. Randomized clinical trials that examined the effects of cinnamon on at least fasting blood sugar (FBS) were included. Other glycemic parameters and anthropometric indices were also extracted. A random effects model with DerSimonian and Laird method was used for pooling the effect sizes. RESULTS: Finally, 18 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Supplementation with cinnamon reduced FBS by -19.26 mg/dL (95% CI: -28.08, -10.45; I2:96.5%; p = 0.0001) compared to placebo. However, the effects of cinnamon on HbA1C (-0.24%; 95% CI: -0.48, -0.01; I2: 76.8%, p = 0.0001), body weight (-0.46, 95%CI: -1.87, 2.30; I2:0%; p = 0.79), body mass index (WMD: -0.05 kg/m2; 95% CI: -0.52, 0.42; I2: 0%; p = 0.91), and waist circumference (WMD: -0.53 cm; 95% CI: -3.96, 2.81; I2: 0%; p = 0.66) were not significant. Additionally, cinnamon did not change the serum levels of insulin and insulin resistance significantly. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with cinnamon can reduce serum levels of glucose with no changes in other glycemic parameters and anthropometric indices. However, due to high heterogeneity findings should be interpreted with great caution.

03
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) (2012) PMID: 22579946 ↗
Cinnamon in glycaemic control: Systematic review and meta analysis.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2012 Meta-Analysis published in Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) involving n = 435 participants. Key conclusion: CONCLUSIONS: Use of cinnamon showed a beneficial effect on glycaemic control (both HbA1c and FPG) and the short term (<4 months) effects of the use of cinnamon on glycaemic control looks promising.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Comment in Clin Nutr. 2012 Oct;31(5):776; author reply 777. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2012.06.007. BACKGROUND & AIMS: Cinnamon seems to be highly bioactive, appearing to mimic the effect of insulin through increased glucose uptake in adipocytes and skeletal muscles. This systematic review and Meta analysis examined the effect of cinnamon on glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted from the earliest possible date through to 01 August 2011. Search terms included free text terms, MeSH and Medline medical index terms such as: "cinnamon", "cinnamomum", "cinnamomum cassia", "cinnamomum zeylanicum", "type 2 diabetes mellitus". Each was crossed with the term "diabetes mellitus". In addition, references of key articles were hand searched. RESULTS: A total of 6 clinical trials met the strict inclusion criteria and considered a total of 435 patients; follow up between 40 days-4 months, doses ranging from 1 g to 6 g per day. Meta-analysis of RCTs showed a significant decrease in mean HbA1c [0.09%; 95% CI was 0.04-0.14] and mean FPG [0.84 mmol/l; 95% CI was 0.66-1.02]. CONCLUSIONS: Use of cinnamon showed a beneficial effect on glycaemic control (both HbA1c and FPG) and the short term (<4 months) effects of the use of cinnamon on glycaemic control looks promising.

04
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Diabetes & metabolic syndrome (2025) PMID: 41412108 ↗
Efficacy and Safety of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) for diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Diabetes & metabolic syndrome involving n = 90 participants; statistical significance reported at p = 0.05. Key conclusion: CONCLUSIONS: This randomized controlled trial developed and tested a CZ-based intervention for Type 2 Diabetes, demonstrating its promising efficacy and safety.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: The search for novel antihyperglycemic agents from herbal medicines has highlighted cinnamon, which contains biologically active compounds with insulin-mimetic effects in-vitro. We assessed the efficacy and safety of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CZ) extract in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. METHODS: A total of 210 individuals with Type 2 Diabetes were randomly assigned in equal numbers to two CZ extract groups (250 mg or 500 mg) and one placebo group. The primary outcome was change in glycaemic control (HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose \[FPG]) from baseline. Secondary outcomes included serum lipids, insulin resistance and β-cell function, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, and anthropometric parameters. Multiple regression analyses were conducted with change in FPG or HbA1c from baseline as the dependent variables and treatment group and covariates as predictors. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 58.6 ± 8.2 years, with 42.9 % (n = 90) being male; 186 completed the four-month follow-up. Both FPG and HbA1c significantly declined in the CZ extract groups compared to baseline, accompanied by reduced insulin resistance and improved β-cell function (p < 0.05). At four months, total and LDL cholesterol were significantly lower in the 500 mg CZ extract group (p < 0.05). Regression analyses identified CZ extract treatment as a significant predictor of changes in both FPG and HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized controlled trial developed and tested a CZ-based intervention for Type 2 Diabetes, demonstrating its promising efficacy and safety. Further studies are warranted to explore its potential as a pharmaceutical agent for diabetes management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry, identifier: SLCTR/2017/010 (http://slctr.lk/trials/714). Registered on April 05, 2017; Study protocol version 3.1 (March 21, 2017).

05
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) PloS one (2025) PMID: 39854533 ↗
Effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) extract on lipid profile, glucose levels and its safety in adults: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in PloS one involving n = 150 participants; statistical significance reported at p = 0.161 (MD 6.05). Key conclusion: zeylanicum extract did not have significantly reduce LDL-C but demonstrated a s
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Cinnamon has been studied as a possible way to control blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels. However, there are no well-conducted randomized controlled trials that can accurately measure the lipid and glucose-lowering effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (C. zeylanicum) extract. This study primarily aimed to evaluate the effect of a standardized C. zeylanicum extract on serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and secondarily on other lipid parameters (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol and triglycerides), glucose levels, anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and safety outcomes in individuals with an LDL level between 100-190mg/dL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants were allocated to either C. zeylanicum extract or placebo group (1:1 allocation ratio). They were advised to take two capsules per day (1000 mg/day, a dose based on prior clinical studies suggesting potential efficacy and safety). Reduction in LDL-C at 12 weeks (from the baseline value) was compared between the two groups using ANCOVA. A complete-case analysis was adhered to in analyzing the outcome data. RESULTS: The mean age (SD) of the 150 participants was 50.4 (10.52) years, and 66% were females. Among the 127 participants assessed at 12 weeks, those in the C. zeylanicum extract arm had a lower LDL-C value than the placebo arm but the difference was not significant (the baseline adjusted mean difference was 6.05mg/dL; 95% CI: -2.43 to 14.52; p = 0.161). However, participants in the C. zeylanicum extract group showed significantly greater reductions in fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels (the baseline adjusted mean difference was 8.59mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.59 to 16.59; p = 0.036). There was a significant interaction effect between the supplement and participants' glycemic status, with individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who received C. zeylanicum extract experiencing a notable reduction in FBS levels (standardized coefficient: -63, 95% CI: -102 to -25; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: C. zeylanicum extract did not have significantly reduce LDL-C but demonstrated a s

06
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Nutrients (2022) PMID: 35458138 ↗
Effect of Aqueous Cinnamon Extract on the Postprandial Glycemia Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2022 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Nutrients involving n = 18 participants; statistical significance reported at p = 0.834. Key conclusion: Aqueous cinnamon extract did not significantly influence postprandial glucose response in diabetic patients during an OGTT.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Cinnamon is a spice used in traditional cuisine that has been investigated due to hypoglycemic properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous cinnamon extract on postprandial glycemia levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) adults. This clinical trial enrolled 36 adults with DM2, randomly allocated in two groups: the control group (n = 18) took only an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the intervention group (n = 18) took OGTT immediately followed by aqueous cinnamon extract (6 g/100 mL) ingestion. Blood glucose levels were measured on fasting and after 30, 60, 90 and 120 min in both groups. The chemical analysis of the aqueous cinnamon extract included total phenols content determination and antioxidant activity assessment through FRAP and DPPH methods. The data reveal that aqueous cinnamon extract ingestion did not show a significant difference in the incremental area under the curve (p = 0.834), maximum glucose concentration (p = 0.527) and glucose concentration variation (p = 0.873) compared with the control group. Cinnamon extract possess a total phenol content of 1554.9 mg/L gallic acid equivalent and a strong antioxidant capacity, revealed by the DPPH (5125.0 µmol Trolox/L) and FRAP (3658.8 µmol Trolox/L) tests. Aqueous cinnamon extract did not significantly influence postprandial glucose response in diabetic patients during an OGTT.

07
CLINICAL STUDY Current clinical pharmacology (2017) PMID: 28176623 ↗
Effect of Cinnamomum cassia on the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Pioglitazone.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2017 Clinical Study published in Current clinical pharmacology. Key conclusion: CONCLUSION: Cinnamon enhanced the bioavailability of pioglitazone by inhibiting the CYP3A4 enzyme.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Millions of people today use herbs either as food or in the form of medicine along with other medications. Many of the herbs can interact with these medications, causing either potentially dangerous side effects or improved or reduced benefits from the medication. OBJECTIVE: The present study was performed to determine the influence of cinnamon, on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of pioglitazone. METHOD: Studies were conducted in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats and rabbits with oral administration of selected doses of pioglitazone, cinnamon and their combination. Blood samples were collected at regular intervals of time and were analysed for glucose by GOD/POD method and for pioglitazone by HPLC method respectively. Body weights were also measured every week. RESULTS: Significant differences were seen in pharmacokinetic parameters of pioglitazone like AUC, t1/2, Ke, Cl/F, Vd/F when given in combination with cinnamon in normal and diabetic rabbits. The combination of pioglitazone and cinnamon was found to reduce the glucose levels and body weights significantly than pioglitazone. The results indicating increased AUC of pioglitazone on pretreatment with cinnamon suggest an interaction indicating decreased metabolism of pioglitazone as a result of CYP 3A4 inhibition and thereby producing a potentiating effect. CONCLUSION: Cinnamon enhanced the bioavailability of pioglitazone by inhibiting the CYP3A4 enzyme. Hence, cinnamon might be beneficial when used in combination with pioglitazone in diabetic patients and an adjustment of dose of pioglitazone may be necessary.

08
CLINICAL STUDY Phytomedicine (2013) PMID: 23582408 ↗
The anti-diabetic effects and pharmacokinetic profiles of berberine in mice treated with Jiao-Tai-Wan and its compatibility.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2013 Clinical Study published in Phytomedicine. Key conclusion: The results indicated that the compatibility effects of ingredients present in Cinnamomum cassia could affect the anti-diabetic ability and pharmacokinetics of berberine in JTW.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Jiao-Tai-Wan (JTW), a classical Chinese prescription, has been clinically employed to treat diabetes mellitus in recent years. To investigate the comparative evaluations on anti-diabetic effects and pharmacokinetics of the active ingredient berberine in mice treated with JTW in various combinations of its constituent herbs. In our study, the anti-diabetic study was carried out in diabetic mice induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The diabetic mice were randomly assigned to three therapy groups and orally administered with different prescription proportions of Rhizoma Coptidis and Cinnamomum cassia respectively. The level of plasma glucose, lipid profile and parameters related to oxidative stress were determined. The concentrations of berberine in non-diabetic mice plasma were determined using HPLC, and main pharmacokinetic parameters were investigated. The results indicated that the compatibility effects of ingredients present in Cinnamomum cassia could affect the anti-diabetic ability and pharmacokinetics of berberine in JTW.

09
CLINICAL STUDY Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) (2012) PMID: 22749176 ↗
Cinnamon extract improves fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin level in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2012 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) involving n = 66 participants. Key conclusion: In conclusion, our study indicates that cinnamon supplementation is able to significantly improve blood glucose control in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

For thousands of years, cinnamon has been used as a traditional treatment in China. However, there are no studies to date that investigate whether cinnamon supplements are able to aid in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Chinese subjects. We hypothesized cinnamon should be effective in improving blood glucose control in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. To address this hypothesis, we performed a randomized, double-blinded clinical study to analyze the effect of cinnamon extract on glycosylated hemoglobin A(1c) and fasting blood glucose levels in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 66 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited and randomly divided into 3 groups: placebo and low-dose and high-dose supplementation with cinnamon extract at 120 and 360 mg/d, respectively. Patients in all 3 groups took gliclazide during the entire 3 months of the study. Both hemoglobin A(1c) and fasting blood glucose levels were significantly reduced in patients in the low- and high-dose groups, whereas they were not changed in the placebo group. The blood triglyceride levels were also significantly reduced in the low-dose group. The blood levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and liver transaminase remained unchanged in the 3 groups. In conclusion, our study indicates that cinnamon supplementation is able to significantly improve blood glucose control in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

10
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Journal of medicinal food (2024) PMID: 38466959 ↗
A Systematic Review Evaluating Cinnamon's Effects on Glucose Utilizing a Ranking System to Assess Bias and Study Quality.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2024 Systematic Review published in Journal of medicinal food. Key conclusion: Applying the ranking systems reduced the percentage closer to 50%.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

In the context of diabetes, the use of cinnamon continues to be among the most popular supplements taken by patients for glucose control. To strategically evaluate the available literature comparing various cinnamon species and statistically significant glucose effects after ranking studies based on two tools to assess bias and overall study quality, to clarify cinnamon's role in glucose control. The authors performed a systematic search based upon PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted utilizing PubMed, AMED, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Medline databases, with the final search performed in September 2022 with restrictions to human subjects and English language. Electronic searches were conducted utilizing the keywords "diabetes mellitus" combined with Cinnamomum zeylanicum/Cinnamomum cassia/Cinnamomum verum combined with blood glucose (BG). A second search utilized "cinnamomum zeylanicum/cinnamomum cassia/cinnamomum verum" combined with "blood glucose," and a final search utilized "diabetes mellitus" combined with "cinnamon." Data extraction and ranking of included studies utilizing the risk of bias 2 tool and modified Heyland Methodological Quality Scoring tool were performed independently by two review authors. These authors compared their results and reconciled any differences in scoring to generate a final ranking of studies. A third author was available for any discrepancies that could not be resolved but was not needed. Forty-five studies were included in the review and were scored for bias and quality. Overall 62% demonstrated statistical significance for positive effects in at least one parameter around BG control. Applying the ranking systems reduced the percentage closer to 50%. Safety was extremely well documented across studies with few adverse effects. Results are limited by heterogeneity of glucose parameters, leading to studies being ranked individually and not synthesized. Cinnamon supplementation likely has a modest positive effect on BG. Based upon the strong safety profile, utilization of this spice as an adjunct to pharmacologic therapy is reasonable.

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